Hike to Paarl Rock

There are few things that make you pause quite like a view that stretches out before you without end. I love finding them, those views that seem to go impossibly on and on. It’s one of my favourite parts of going on any adventure and why I love being a passenger more than I like being a driver. Which is why I was excited to finally venture to Paarl Rock and hike up to its famous viewing point.

From Meulwater car park it’s less of a hike and more of an easy uphill stroll. One way is roughly 3 km. But if you walk from Paarl Rock to Bretagne and Gordon’s Rocks too then you could easily have walked 8 km in total – not bad for a single afternoon!

You can also drive right up to Paarl Rock if you’re pressed for time. Space is limited and it is a dirt road so drive extra slowly and carefully because you can’t always judge the angle or size of the rocks protruding from the road.

My companion and I decided to walk up from the Meulwater car park and stopped regularly to take in the sounds of countless birds, and the sights of fynbos, granite boulders and the sweeping Paarl valley below. We also packed snacks to create a makeshift picnic once we reached the top.

The views from the top are breathtaking, to say the least. They’ll draw you in and make you stop in your tracks. You can spend anything from a few minutes to a half-hour at a time admiring the view. And there’s plenty of space to sit down and tuck into those snacks.

Be warned though, it can get pretty windy and the Bretagne and Gordon’s Rocks are very steep so bring proper climbing shoes and have your hands free if you’re going to attempt them.